Jen K. Blom's Blog, page 3
December 30, 2011
New Years Resolutions.
Because dude, I haven't been here in forever!
But I have been snowed under. Luckily, things have cleared up enough that I can check in!
How you been?
Here's mine:
1. Revising. This book has been quite difficult to revise. It's the first book I've sold on three chapters, which I won't do again, I don't think. I like to have the time to think about the book as it comes out, and not write purely off a synopsis. So We'll See. I hope to have it finished by next week for crit buds to have a look at it. Keep your fingers crossed?
2. Resolutions. I have some, though they are yet unformed and not 100% "fest", as they say here. I'll post probably Monday about them. Then I can go thru the blogoverse and see what everybody else is doing. Ha.
3. Foot is still being a total ass. I wish I could get a bionic one. Not only would I be a part-cylon then (BSG FTW!!!!) I would have a foot that I could depend on. Because right now I still can't depend on this foot - and it's been a YEAR since I broke it tomorrow. Yeah.
OH YEAH!
And THE SPOTTED PONY has a new name! I really like it. It has a sort of timeless feel. Are you ready?
BLUE APPALOOSA
And it's coming out in 2012!!!! Cool, no?
But I have been snowed under. Luckily, things have cleared up enough that I can check in!
How you been?
Here's mine:
1. Revising. This book has been quite difficult to revise. It's the first book I've sold on three chapters, which I won't do again, I don't think. I like to have the time to think about the book as it comes out, and not write purely off a synopsis. So We'll See. I hope to have it finished by next week for crit buds to have a look at it. Keep your fingers crossed?
2. Resolutions. I have some, though they are yet unformed and not 100% "fest", as they say here. I'll post probably Monday about them. Then I can go thru the blogoverse and see what everybody else is doing. Ha.
3. Foot is still being a total ass. I wish I could get a bionic one. Not only would I be a part-cylon then (BSG FTW!!!!) I would have a foot that I could depend on. Because right now I still can't depend on this foot - and it's been a YEAR since I broke it tomorrow. Yeah.
OH YEAH!
And THE SPOTTED PONY has a new name! I really like it. It has a sort of timeless feel. Are you ready?
BLUE APPALOOSA
And it's coming out in 2012!!!! Cool, no?
November 7, 2011
Done rolling over
If you know me in real life (or follow me on this blog, or twitter, or have liked me on Facebook), you'll know I'm a pretty easy going girl. Stubborn, but relatively easy going. I listen to people in charge, pay my taxes, and do what I'm told to do (when it comes to health stuff) without a whimper. I regularly ignore the new media things my hubs swears at me about, then pick them up later and act like it was all my idea. (ha!)
You might know I have been struggling with a broken leg that rapidly developed some rather ... unusual ... complications this last year, resulting in three surgeries, a VERY odd infusion, and more money spent on taxis than I care to count. Me (and my poor family) have been thru the wringer, and I've been pretty severely depressed this year.
Welp, I got some new bad news today which means bad bone stuff going on happening into next year. And to be frank, it killed me. Just killed me.
This last weekend I scrambled around FRANTICALLY, trying to find something or someone to be strong for me, because all my strength was gone. Tell me that it would be okay, that I would make it. I am the mama, and the wife, right? I have to be okay. But all my fight had trickled away, and I was stuck looking at myself as a thirty-MUMBLE something, with a house, a job wanting me back, an energetic baby expecting 120% and a VERY long-suffering husband who needed me there for him too. You know, a life? Yeah. I'd gradually moved away from having one this last year.
And today, as I sat on my sofa reeling from the thought of more things being done to me that I wasn't sure I wanted, I realized something very important: I was sick of rolling over. Sick of letting others determine what is best for me and my leg, sick of not checking into what they want to do, sick. Sick, sick, sick.
I had this feeling a lot when I was writing, back before I was published. The "I can't TAKE another rejection" or "that critter must be smoking CRACK to not like what I wrote there! Hello!" but as Jim Butcher so eloquently (and recently) said, there ain't no free lunch.
I was done, pilgrim. The line had been crossed.
I would need to become an expert, just as I had to with my writing career. I could beat this with the right materials, the right background. The right doctors. And as I sat staring at my husband at our dinner table I felt a bit of ... strength, come back in. Purpose. I mean, it's gotten as bad as it can get, right, so what can I do? I can roll the eff over or I can meet this puppy head-on. And I'm done rolling, so I guess there's no other solution. I didn't let anybody tell me no about my writing, so why start with the leg? No way. And you shouldn't either, but that's a post for another day.
So since this isn't just an "author" blog, but "my" blog, I'm looking for answers. I want to know if you know orthopedists, bone docs, or anybody that has experience with bone cysts in long bones.
Because I'm dang dong done with it. The game is ON.
You might know I have been struggling with a broken leg that rapidly developed some rather ... unusual ... complications this last year, resulting in three surgeries, a VERY odd infusion, and more money spent on taxis than I care to count. Me (and my poor family) have been thru the wringer, and I've been pretty severely depressed this year.
Welp, I got some new bad news today which means bad bone stuff going on happening into next year. And to be frank, it killed me. Just killed me.
This last weekend I scrambled around FRANTICALLY, trying to find something or someone to be strong for me, because all my strength was gone. Tell me that it would be okay, that I would make it. I am the mama, and the wife, right? I have to be okay. But all my fight had trickled away, and I was stuck looking at myself as a thirty-MUMBLE something, with a house, a job wanting me back, an energetic baby expecting 120% and a VERY long-suffering husband who needed me there for him too. You know, a life? Yeah. I'd gradually moved away from having one this last year.
And today, as I sat on my sofa reeling from the thought of more things being done to me that I wasn't sure I wanted, I realized something very important: I was sick of rolling over. Sick of letting others determine what is best for me and my leg, sick of not checking into what they want to do, sick. Sick, sick, sick.
I had this feeling a lot when I was writing, back before I was published. The "I can't TAKE another rejection" or "that critter must be smoking CRACK to not like what I wrote there! Hello!" but as Jim Butcher so eloquently (and recently) said, there ain't no free lunch.
I was done, pilgrim. The line had been crossed.
I would need to become an expert, just as I had to with my writing career. I could beat this with the right materials, the right background. The right doctors. And as I sat staring at my husband at our dinner table I felt a bit of ... strength, come back in. Purpose. I mean, it's gotten as bad as it can get, right, so what can I do? I can roll the eff over or I can meet this puppy head-on. And I'm done rolling, so I guess there's no other solution. I didn't let anybody tell me no about my writing, so why start with the leg? No way. And you shouldn't either, but that's a post for another day.
So since this isn't just an "author" blog, but "my" blog, I'm looking for answers. I want to know if you know orthopedists, bone docs, or anybody that has experience with bone cysts in long bones.
Because I'm dang dong done with it. The game is ON.
November 2, 2011
Good news, and bad news.
Well, I covered this news pretty much here.
But to say that it was a pretty hefty bummer is failing to use my rather extremely awesome cursing powers. It sucks, guys. Sucks HARD. I had so much planned, I was so excited to see so many awesome kids, and meet librarians, and everything. And then this happened.
The irony is, "this" is what I've been struggling against all year: a broken leg from some ice that decided to make me cry UNCLE. Well, you win, leg. You win. Golf Clap. UNCLE. Do you hear me? UNnnnnnnnn-CLE! UUUUU NNNN CCCCC LLLLL EEEEE. I give in! You win! Okay?!!! OKAY YOU WIN. Now. Back off!
*ahem* I am attempting to regain my positive outlook. Dear readers of this blog, be warned: This Friday I have the MRI that will tell us if the weird semi-chemo infusion and surgery I had at the first of last month worked.
If you are reading this, cross your fingers for Friday for me? There is nothing I need more than a functioning freaking leg right now. Everything builds from that.
I will send you back warmth and light, in return. Or german chocolate. Your pick.
But to say that it was a pretty hefty bummer is failing to use my rather extremely awesome cursing powers. It sucks, guys. Sucks HARD. I had so much planned, I was so excited to see so many awesome kids, and meet librarians, and everything. And then this happened.
The irony is, "this" is what I've been struggling against all year: a broken leg from some ice that decided to make me cry UNCLE. Well, you win, leg. You win. Golf Clap. UNCLE. Do you hear me? UNnnnnnnnn-CLE! UUUUU NNNN CCCCC LLLLL EEEEE. I give in! You win! Okay?!!! OKAY YOU WIN. Now. Back off!
*ahem* I am attempting to regain my positive outlook. Dear readers of this blog, be warned: This Friday I have the MRI that will tell us if the weird semi-chemo infusion and surgery I had at the first of last month worked.
If you are reading this, cross your fingers for Friday for me? There is nothing I need more than a functioning freaking leg right now. Everything builds from that.
I will send you back warmth and light, in return. Or german chocolate. Your pick.
October 26, 2011
Guest post!
Hey guys!
I'm over at Lorna's talking about how revision makes the book. Pop over and say hi! She is totally cool. :)
I'm over at Lorna's talking about how revision makes the book. Pop over and say hi! She is totally cool. :)
October 18, 2011
FALL!
Here it is, Fall! How is October almost over? It's insane!
I've not been very productive this last month or so. I have to admit that since we're trying *again* to fix this stupid leg of mine, I've been really light on the writing/revising. Which is unfortunate, as I have three finished manuscripts my agent would like to have for January sitting here on my guilty conscious. So fail.
I think I might have tricked my head just now, though. I wrote my lovely agent that I needed to have times that she wanted them by. I always work better with deadlines, anyway, and maybe even in between PT and doctors and everything her "needing" them by a certain time will kickstart my mojo.
Have YOU seen my mojo? I appear to have lost it.
In other news, I'm nalbinding again, and making some great stuff - namely, thick socks for my winter wear, mittens for both me and Loki and hats, too. Oh, how I love Tomte hats with a little pompom. Loki does not like her mittens but I think her tune'll change once her little pinkies are freezing. Because something tells me this is going to be a heck of a winter.
I hope?
A bit of other news - pop over and tell Hilary Wagner congrats! She sold rights in France to her first book, NIGHTSHADE CITY! So Hooray For Her!!
I've not been very productive this last month or so. I have to admit that since we're trying *again* to fix this stupid leg of mine, I've been really light on the writing/revising. Which is unfortunate, as I have three finished manuscripts my agent would like to have for January sitting here on my guilty conscious. So fail.
I think I might have tricked my head just now, though. I wrote my lovely agent that I needed to have times that she wanted them by. I always work better with deadlines, anyway, and maybe even in between PT and doctors and everything her "needing" them by a certain time will kickstart my mojo.
Have YOU seen my mojo? I appear to have lost it.
In other news, I'm nalbinding again, and making some great stuff - namely, thick socks for my winter wear, mittens for both me and Loki and hats, too. Oh, how I love Tomte hats with a little pompom. Loki does not like her mittens but I think her tune'll change once her little pinkies are freezing. Because something tells me this is going to be a heck of a winter.
I hope?
A bit of other news - pop over and tell Hilary Wagner congrats! She sold rights in France to her first book, NIGHTSHADE CITY! So Hooray For Her!!
September 12, 2011
"Just roll with it"
Do you know that sentence?
You do - if you happen to have an 18 month old who is totally and completely beguiled by Toy Story. Toy Story 2 is the best, but Toy Story 3 ain't bad. And Toy Story 1 is oooookay, but it really needs to be faster moving.
Anyway.
I counted yesterday (when I had the best idea. Ever!) (I know I say that a lot) (But I mean it this time) (And the last times too) (anyway) that I'd been revising one book or another for the last EIGHT MONTHS. Eight. One book I wrote a first draft of (That I loved) (Let's not go there) in a month but it was really shoddy and it's been put on the shelf. That one doesn't count.
So eight months. And I'm staring at two other books right now I should be revising. And you know what?
I just don't want to.
It's not that I don't love them, or think they have potential. My agent adores both of them and dreams of big things happening to them. It's just I've been revising for so long. I need new creative juices. I need them like WHOA.
So I started a new book today. And it is nothing like what I usually write (well, one of the above books I should be revising? It's on that scale, I guess) and I don't care if it's marketable and I don't care if it makes sense. I will get the juices going again by revising/writing at the same time. Because I have to.
And since I did start it, you want to know what happened? The world was brighter, the wind fresher, the child's laughter FROM WATCHING THAT DAMN MOVIE AGAAAAAIN was sweeter...and I even had some ideas for the revisions I will be doing alongside my new lovely.
So I'm just going to roll with it and do it. What about you?
You do - if you happen to have an 18 month old who is totally and completely beguiled by Toy Story. Toy Story 2 is the best, but Toy Story 3 ain't bad. And Toy Story 1 is oooookay, but it really needs to be faster moving.
Anyway.
I counted yesterday (when I had the best idea. Ever!) (I know I say that a lot) (But I mean it this time) (And the last times too) (anyway) that I'd been revising one book or another for the last EIGHT MONTHS. Eight. One book I wrote a first draft of (That I loved) (Let's not go there) in a month but it was really shoddy and it's been put on the shelf. That one doesn't count.
So eight months. And I'm staring at two other books right now I should be revising. And you know what?
I just don't want to.
It's not that I don't love them, or think they have potential. My agent adores both of them and dreams of big things happening to them. It's just I've been revising for so long. I need new creative juices. I need them like WHOA.
So I started a new book today. And it is nothing like what I usually write (well, one of the above books I should be revising? It's on that scale, I guess) and I don't care if it's marketable and I don't care if it makes sense. I will get the juices going again by revising/writing at the same time. Because I have to.
And since I did start it, you want to know what happened? The world was brighter, the wind fresher, the child's laughter FROM WATCHING THAT DAMN MOVIE AGAAAAAIN was sweeter...and I even had some ideas for the revisions I will be doing alongside my new lovely.
So I'm just going to roll with it and do it. What about you?
September 7, 2011
Movin' on ooooover
Hey guys!
Well, MS is officially turned in. Revisions to PANIC continue apace, while thoughts are being given to fleshing out the beginning of SCAR-FIN. The Oklahoma Showdown students are busily creating their entries, and I'm sending out big care packages to certain libraries in Oklahoma tomorrow. Good things, all!
Let me tell you, having an excellent agent in this business is more valuable than rubies.
I'm changing stuff around on Facebook. As you all know (who've followed my blog for awhile), I have a little rugrat nick-named Loki. And it's none of her doing that her mama is a slightly mental children's writer with a book published, and more coming.
I have lots of friends, and if you're reading this, I consider you a señor coolio too. However. I have decided to go ahead and make my Facebook profile private - that means, only IRL close friends and family can see it.
Why? Well, I've gone paranoid.
I post a lot of pictures of my kid on there, and I've changed in my outlook regarding her public life on the internet. At first I thought, does it really matter? She's like 18 months old, will she know or care? But she might. And after reading some horror stories about regular children's pictures showing up on paedo websites - having been traced back to Facebook as the original source - I have become EXTREMELY paranoid. Thus the switch.
The more I think about this, the happier I am. I want to interact with everyone, but I need a place where my family back in the US can see pics of da Lokster, and unfortunately, even the computer illiterate members have Facebook accounts (and for those family members reading this, of COURSE it is not you I'm speaking of here! Ahem).
So I have a question for you - would you do me a favor and go and check out my author page on Facebook? If you like it, "like" it!
Is there anything you'd like to see? Not like to see? Have you ever considered going private?
If you want the real extrovert online me, I'd suggest my twitter feed. Plus, I pretty much live off that thing. Regarding Facebook, I promise not to spam the snot out of you, and I won't EVER "SUGGEST" that you like that page via a note thru Facebook. (Only here. Ha!)
Well, MS is officially turned in. Revisions to PANIC continue apace, while thoughts are being given to fleshing out the beginning of SCAR-FIN. The Oklahoma Showdown students are busily creating their entries, and I'm sending out big care packages to certain libraries in Oklahoma tomorrow. Good things, all!
Let me tell you, having an excellent agent in this business is more valuable than rubies.
I'm changing stuff around on Facebook. As you all know (who've followed my blog for awhile), I have a little rugrat nick-named Loki. And it's none of her doing that her mama is a slightly mental children's writer with a book published, and more coming. I have lots of friends, and if you're reading this, I consider you a señor coolio too. However. I have decided to go ahead and make my Facebook profile private - that means, only IRL close friends and family can see it.
Why? Well, I've gone paranoid.
I post a lot of pictures of my kid on there, and I've changed in my outlook regarding her public life on the internet. At first I thought, does it really matter? She's like 18 months old, will she know or care? But she might. And after reading some horror stories about regular children's pictures showing up on paedo websites - having been traced back to Facebook as the original source - I have become EXTREMELY paranoid. Thus the switch.
The more I think about this, the happier I am. I want to interact with everyone, but I need a place where my family back in the US can see pics of da Lokster, and unfortunately, even the computer illiterate members have Facebook accounts (and for those family members reading this, of COURSE it is not you I'm speaking of here! Ahem).
So I have a question for you - would you do me a favor and go and check out my author page on Facebook? If you like it, "like" it!
Is there anything you'd like to see? Not like to see? Have you ever considered going private?
If you want the real extrovert online me, I'd suggest my twitter feed. Plus, I pretty much live off that thing. Regarding Facebook, I promise not to spam the snot out of you, and I won't EVER "SUGGEST" that you like that page via a note thru Facebook. (Only here. Ha!)
September 2, 2011
whohoo!
Whohoo!
THE SPOTTED PONY has been turned into my lovely lovely editor! It is now officially DONE! (Well, until she reads it and everything starts again).
Hooray!
What's up next for me?
1. The OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN. Have you checked out the Facebook page? (and liked it?) Have you been to the website?
2. Revising SCAR-FIN - which consists of getting my lovely synod done and some sparkling chapters.
3. getting a surgery that i do not want to think about oh no oh no oh no
4. Ordering Bookmarks for teh Showdown! Yay!
5. Fixing everything that needs doing! (ugh)
That's me! How about you??
THE SPOTTED PONY has been turned into my lovely lovely editor! It is now officially DONE! (Well, until she reads it and everything starts again).
Hooray!
What's up next for me?
1. The OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN. Have you checked out the Facebook page? (and liked it?) Have you been to the website?
2. Revising SCAR-FIN - which consists of getting my lovely synod done and some sparkling chapters.
3. getting a surgery that i do not want to think about oh no oh no oh no
4. Ordering Bookmarks for teh Showdown! Yay!
5. Fixing everything that needs doing! (ugh)
That's me! How about you??
August 24, 2011
Stuttgart Library Day!
Hey guys!
Remember when I said I had a cool thing coming up in Germany? Well, they announced it!
I'm taking part in the first SCBWI Stuttgart Library Day (24 September 2011, 12-17:00)
I'll be discussing favorite animal characters, and how to write a believable one. We've got two amazing illustrators and two other authors, one of which, ANGELA CERRITO, is a long-time online buddy. I'll finally get to meet her!
So. Excited!
In other awesome news, MS is finally done. It only took me six months to revise. Sigh. But I do feel it's the better for it. I've already had a beta email me in a panic that she couldn't find anything wrong. That is a nice feeling.
Hope your week is going well!
Remember when I said I had a cool thing coming up in Germany? Well, they announced it!
I'm taking part in the first SCBWI Stuttgart Library Day (24 September 2011, 12-17:00)
I'll be discussing favorite animal characters, and how to write a believable one. We've got two amazing illustrators and two other authors, one of which, ANGELA CERRITO, is a long-time online buddy. I'll finally get to meet her!
So. Excited!
In other awesome news, MS is finally done. It only took me six months to revise. Sigh. But I do feel it's the better for it. I've already had a beta email me in a panic that she couldn't find anything wrong. That is a nice feeling.
Hope your week is going well!
August 4, 2011
The OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN Begins!
Hey you guys!
I'm super excited to announce that the OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN has begun!
Well great, you say. What is it again?
I wanted to throw a state-wide party for kids that have read my book. They'll write up a short Lookbook entry (basically a diary page) of some aspect of life on a farm. Their classes will vote on the best one, and the winning classes will get some MAD prizes! We're coming to Oklahoma in November to personally deliver them, too!
If I'm sparse on the blog, it's because all my energies are 100% focused on this little endeavor. :-) I want it to be a success!
CHECK IT OUT HERE >>
I'm super excited to announce that the OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN has begun!
Well great, you say. What is it again?
I wanted to throw a state-wide party for kids that have read my book. They'll write up a short Lookbook entry (basically a diary page) of some aspect of life on a farm. Their classes will vote on the best one, and the winning classes will get some MAD prizes! We're coming to Oklahoma in November to personally deliver them, too!
If I'm sparse on the blog, it's because all my energies are 100% focused on this little endeavor. :-) I want it to be a success!
CHECK IT OUT HERE >>
